Saturday, January 27, 2007

I know I've been spending too much time on the computer when I find myself thinking about three or four things at once and I'm seeing them all in different windows in my brain and I find myself selecting "hide others" or "bring to front" as I try to keep track of all the things I must remember to do. Anyway, it's mostly done. I got my WholeNote column in, Crescendo is at the printer, MapleBlues is printed and delivered and all that's left is Downtown Jazz.

Meanwhile I did get away to a gig last night. Played with the wonderful Lily Sazz and we put out a lot of energy, even if I do say so myself. Haven't done much in the way of following up on the Blues Summit. Met a lot of great folks and now that I think about it, I saw a lot of folks I know across the room and never got a chance to say hello. I hosted an opening song circle/guitar pull which I had hoped would give a lot of visiting musicians a chance to get acquainted with some of the locals and it worked out great. In fact, I'm here listening to young Layla Zoe talking with Danny Marks on his radio show. They were both part of the "Campfire" (in fact, Danny was the consummate "utility man" playing bass, drums or whatever was required).

Here's a pic of Mr. Rick, Rick Fines and Steve Marriner with Danny in the background. Wish I had taken more pics.

Ken Whiteley dropped in, Bill Johnson from out west, Bird Stafford, Zoe Chilco and some folks whose name escapes me now. I think a good time was had by all, and it's was great to start the summit on a musical note. A couple of folks even got some gigs out of it.

The summit and Maple Blues Awards soiree were jam packed and it was an exhausting week-end. There are great pictures posted at www. talkinblues.com and www.dougalco.com/cgi-bin/portfolioshow.cgi . I just posted a bunch of snaps at www.flickr.com (just search for "blues summit"). You may be in one of those pictures…

On the Tuesday after, I got struck down with a cold and the this whole week I've been under the weather. Right now, I'm making plans to head out to a much larger music conference in Memphis next month. That is the "mother" of them all, the Folk Alliance. There will be lots of jamming and I've got a couple of showcase slots, one just in thanks to the cancellation of Mamadou Diabate. ! I just need to find someone willing to help with the driving – I get tired just driving to Hamilton.